SYDNEY (AP) - An Australian court has temporarily banned Samsung from selling its new Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet computer in the country after rival Apple accused the company of copying the technology of its iPad tablet.

Federal Court Justice Annabelle Bennett granted a temporary injunction on Thursday against sales of Samsung’s new tablet in Australia. That means Samsung cannot sell the device in Australia in its current form until a pending patent lawsuit between the warring technology giants is resolved.

The decision is a huge blow for Samsung. The company had hoped to launch the new product in time for Christmas sales.

Apple and Samsung have been embroiled in an international legal battle over their rival tablets.